The Bachelor of Commerce (Global Experience) is a four-year degree that blends core business education with international experiences and professional development. You’ll explore all areas of business before choosing a specialism in your final year. The Global Experience year, which includes study abroad and/or a work placement, adds real-world context and global perspective to your learning.

Year 1: Building Your Business Foundation
In first year, you’ll explore all core business disciplines and begin developing key academic and employability skills. You’ll take subjects like:

• Introduction to Management/Financial Accounting
• Principles of Microeconomics/Macroeconomics
• Business Information Systems & Information Management for Business
• Mathematics and Statistics for Business
• Contemporary Management Thought
• Foundations of Marketing Thought
• Management: Enterprise and Society
• Options - choose one of the following: Skills for Success & Business Law I; or German; or Spanish*; or Gaeilge

*Note: Beginners Spanish will not be available from 2026 entry onwards. 

Year 2: Deepening Your Knowledge
In second year, you’ll continue building on your business knowledge while also developing practical workplace skills. You’ll study modules such as:

• Marketing Management
• Organisational Psychology
• Skills for Business
• Employment Relations
• Business Finance I
• Information and Operations Management
• Applied Microeconomics for Business

 You’ll also choose from a range of optional modules, such as:

• Introduction to Financial Economics
• Business Law II
• Entrepreneurial Venture Management
• Information Systems and Project Management
• The Psychology of Consumer Behaviour

Year 3: Your Global Experience Year
Choose from:

• One semester studying abroad and one semester on work placement in Ireland
• A full academic year abroad at one of our 100+ partner universities

The Global Experience year gives you a competitive edge by expanding your worldview, professional network and adaptability - skills that are invaluable in today’s global business landscape.

Year 4: Choose Your Specialism

In final year, you’ll apply your learning in real-world contexts and dive deeper into a business area of your choice. Core modules include:

• Business Strategy
• Innovation: Creativity and Enterprise
• Ireland in the Global Economy
• Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility

Specialisations: Choose a Stream
You’ll then specialise in one of the following streams:

• Accounting & Performance Measurement
• Economics & Public Policy
• Human Resource Management
• Marketing Management
• Digital Business & Analytics
• Finance
• Business Law
• International Business
• Enterprise
• Management

You can also select from a range of electives to tailor your final year even further.

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• The opportunity of a full year of study abroad or a combination of study abroad with a work placement.
• Choose from over 100 international partner universities for your study abroad - including some of the world’s top business schools - for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Specialise in a business discipline that suits your interests and career goals.
• Work directly with local business leaders on real-life innovation projects as part of our ICE module - a standout learning experience unique to final-year Commerce students.
• Benefit from mentoring, travel bursaries, and future career opportunities through our exclusive partnership with Deloitte, one of the world’s leading professional services firms.
• Our modules are shaped by current industry demands, ensuring you graduate with the knowledge and skills employers are looking for.
• With wide career pathways, graduates go on to thrive in areas like management, finance, marketing, public policy, HR, and tech — both in Ireland and internationally.

Graduates of the BComm (Global Experience) are highly sought after and enjoy excellent career prospects in Ireland and internationally.

• Wide Range of Career Paths
  Graduates are successful across all areas of business, including:
  Accounting, Management Consultancy, Taxation, Public Service, Commercial Advisory, Economic Policy, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, Information Systems Management, and Education/Research.
• Enhanced Employability
  The international study and work placement elements of the programme significantly boost graduate employability - opening doors to careers both domestically and internationally.
• In-Demand Skills
  Employers value the mix of practical experience and core business knowledge gained on the programme, along with essential soft skills such as communication, adaptability, analytical thinking, and teamwork.
• Pathway to Postgraduate Study
  Many graduates continue on to specialised Master’s programmes in areas such as Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, and International Management, including those offered at J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics.

 

 

 

The BComm (Global Experience) offers students the unique opportunity to study abroad for one semester or a full academic year during Year 3 of the programme.

• Built into the Programme
  Study abroad is a core feature of this course - not an optional add-on - giving every student the chance to experience university life in another country.
• World-Class Partners
  Students can choose from a wide network of elite universities and business schools across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia.
  A sample of our international partners includes:
  • University of California, USA
  • Fordham University, New York, USA
  • American University, Washington DC, USA
  • HKUST, Hong Kong
  • Kobe University, Japan
  • Aarhus University, Denmark
  • University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
  • Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada
  • Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
  • EBS Business School, Germany
  • University of Groningen, The Netherlands
  • Burgundy School of Business, France
  • Pusan National University, Korea
  • Halmstad University, Sweden
  • Clarkson University, New York, USA
  • Troyes University, France
  • Hochschule Pforzheim, Germany
  • Villanova University, Pennsylvania, USA
• Language & Modules
  Teaching is through English, and students can take a combination of business and non-business modules that align with their interests and academic goals.
• Skills that Set You Apart
  Students return with enhanced cultural awareness, adaptability, communication skills, and a global mindset - all of which make graduates stand out in the job market.

• Financial Support Available
  Students going to European destinations may be eligible for Erasmus+ funding. Other travel and accommodation supports may also be available depending on destination.
• Why It Matters
  Spending time abroad builds not just your academic credentials but your confidence, independence, and world perspective.

As part of Year 3 of the BComm (Global Experience), students can complete a one-semester work placement with a leading Irish or multinational company. This practical experience allows students to put theory into practice, applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world business environments. It also offers a valuable opportunity to expand their professional network and build industry connections, laying the groundwork for future career opportunities. 

Placement Opportunities
Students are placed in a variety of industries and sectors, including:

• Finance and Accounting
• Marketing and Digital Media
• Human Resources
• Technology and Information Systems
• Logistics and Operations
• Sustainability and CSR roles

Employers
Recent placement partners include top employers such as:

• KPMG
• Deloitte
• EY
• PwC
• Boston Scientific
• Medtronic
• An Post
• Central Bank of Ireland
• BDO
• Publicis
• Genesys
• Wayfair
• Local Enterprise Offices

Locations & Format
Most placements take place in Ireland, but there are a limited number of year-long international placements available for students who wish to continue their global journey abroad.

Skills Gained
Students develop essential employability skills including:

• Teamwork and communication
• Professionalism and time management
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Commercial awareness and technical skills relevant to their role

Real Career Impact
Many students make such a strong impression during their placement that they are offered graduate roles with the same employer. The placement is also a great chance to clarify career goals, build a professional network, and strengthen CVs before graduation.

Value of Timing
Completing the placement in Year 3 means students return for final year with greater clarity, confidence, and workplace insight - often giving them a competitive edge in graduate recruitment processes.

Sharon Walsh
Rachel Robinson
Begoña Sangrador-Vegas
Nicola Murphy
Vincent O'Connell
Thomas Wilks
Mary Cosgrove
Davood Roshansangachin
Maitiu de Hal
Shekhar Misra
Willie Golden
Yixin Qiu
Rehman Mian
Sophie Sweeney
Sinead Duane
Aidan Kane
Jason Harold
Gerard Turley
Dongxia Zhang
Csongor Nagy
Edel Doherty
Maeve O Sullivan
Josephine Igoe
Michael Lang
Gesche Kindermann
Noel Carroll
Simeon Vidolov

The Bachelor of Commerce (Global Experience) is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in business, while also developing global perspectives, cross-cultural awareness, and the adaptability needed to thrive in international business environments. Students benefit from a dynamic learning experience that blends academic study with international exposure through study abroad and/or work placement opportunities.

How Will I Learn?

Interactive Lectures and Seminars - Engaging sessions promote discussion, critical thinking, and the application of theory to real-world business challenges across global contexts.

Practical Projects and Simulations  - Group projects, business simulations, and international case studies build problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making skills.

Global Exposure  - Study abroad and/or international work placement opportunities help students develop intercultural competence and a deeper understanding of global business practices.

Technology-Enhanced Learning - Digital tools, analytics software, and online resources support independent learning and enhance global business literacy.

 

Workshops and Guest Lectures - Industry experts and international business professionals offer insights into global markets and emerging trends.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Continuous Assessment  - A mix of individual and group assignments, presentations, and reflective tasks provide regular feedback and help track progress.

Examinations - End-of-semester written exams assess core business knowledge and the ability to apply analytical thinking across various business scenarios.

Case Studies and Reports - Assignments often focus on international business cases, enabling students to apply theory to real-life global challenges.

 

BComm (Global Experience) students Anna Kerdzaia and Conor Sweeney were part of a University of Galway team which were awarded the PwC Medal and Prize for 2023-2024, recognising their top performance in Accounting.

BComm (Global Experience) students Emilia Pietrynek and Conor Healy were part of a University of Galway team that showcased their financial and investment analysis skills in the CFA Society Ireland Investment Research Challenge in February 2025, under the expert guidance of mentor Cian Twomey.

BComm (Global Experience) students Tomas Tumulty and Colm Haverty were part of a University of Galway team which triumphed in the 2025 KPMG Ireland Tax Challenge, securing 1st place with their innovative solutions in the renewable energy sector.

Course Queries:
business@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director:
Martin Hughes
Lecturer in Business Information Systems
Programme Director BComm 2023 – Current
J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics
College of Business, Public Policy & Law
martin.hughes@universityofgalway.ie

Q: Can students choose their Study Abroad destination?
A: Yes, students can indicate their top three university preferences. Final allocations are based on demand for each destination and academic performance.

Q: Can students complete a full year of work placement without the study abroad element
A: Yes. Students can express interest in either a full year of work placement abroad or a full year of study abroad. However, we strongly recommend doing both, as each offers unique skills and experiences that complement one another.

Q: Are students responsible for organising their own work placement?
A: No. We organise the work placements by leveraging our established industry contacts. We coordinate interviews for students, but placement offers depend on your academic results, CV, and interview performance.

Q: Can I study a language through the BComm (Global Experience) degree?
A: Yes. In first year, you can choose from German, Spanish, Irish, or Chinese. If you wish to continue studying a language to degree level, you’ll need to transfer into the BComm (International) with Language, subject to available places and your proficiency.

Q: Is accommodation provided while abroad?
A: This varies depending on the host university. Some provide on-campus accommodation (which students pay for), while others offer support and guidance to help students find housing independently.

Q: What’s the main difference between BComm (Global Experience) and BComm (International)?
A: The BComm (International) includes intensive language study, and students spend their third year studying abroad in a country that speaks their chosen language. In contrast, the BComm (Global Experience) is taught entirely through English, with an optional language module in first year. Students may also choose to practice or learn a new language while abroad, but it’s not a formal part of the degree.

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language, Mathematics, and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

The following information will appear on all UG course pages in the ‘Entry Requirements’ section. You do not need to edit.

Alternative Pathways

The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links:

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme

Other Qualifications

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students
• EU students

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.

Admissions Office

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.

 QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements,  

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
	All	€2,598	€3,000	€19,000	€140	€3,140	€5,738	€19,140

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

Application Process
Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1^st October each year for each the following September.  

Further Information
Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.

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